Update from 19 May 2026: Thai media citing Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul now report that the Cabinet has approved cancelling the blanket 60-day visa-exemption measure for more than 90 countries and returning to the previous country-by-country rules, mostly around 30 days. An official implementation notice, updated country list and transition rules were not yet found on Thai government, MFA or Immigration Bureau websites, so travelers should still verify their entry allowance with official Thai sources before departure.
Thailand has moved to shorten visa-free stays for travelers after Cabinet approval to cancel the blanket 60-day visa-exemption measure, according to Thai media reports on 19 May 2026. The practical direction is a return to earlier country-by-country rules, with most eligible travelers expected to receive around 30 days rather than 60 days on arrival.
Reuters reported on 13 May 2026 that Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would submit the plan to Cabinet. On 19 May, Thai outlets including Kom Chad Luek and News1 reported that Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said Cabinet had approved cancelling the 60-day measure and instructed agencies to return to previous rules while a visa-policy committee reviews the system by country.
For travelers, the practical point is simple: do not rely on a 60-day visa-free stay for new Thailand trips unless an official Thai source confirms it for your nationality and travel date. As of this update, we found official sources for the existing 60-day scheme and TDAC requirements, but not yet a public Thai government, MFA or Immigration Bureau notice with the final effective date, transition rules or updated country-by-country list.
What is changing?
The Cabinet-approved direction is to cancel the blanket 60-day visa-exemption measure and return to earlier country-by-country rules, with most affected travelers expected to receive around 30 days. It does not mean travelers from those countries are losing visa-free entry altogether, but the permitted stay on arrival may become shorter once agencies implement the change.
The available reporting still does not confirm the start date, exact transition rules, updated country list, or whether extension rules will change. Travelers with longer Thailand plans should wait for official confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai Immigration Bureau, or a Thai embassy/consulate before booking around a 60-day visa-free stay.
Who is affected?
The affected group is the existing Thai visa-exemption list of 93 countries and territories. Based on the current official Thai MFA visa-exemption document, the list is:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (ROK)
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United States (USA)
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
What travelers should do now
- If your Thailand stay is 30 days or less, the change may not affect your basic entry planning, but you should still check the rules before departure.
- If you planned to stay 31 to 60 days visa-free, treat that plan as high-risk until the effective date and updated official country rules are published.
- If you need more than 30 days in Thailand, compare tourist visa, extension, Destination Thailand Visa, business or other relevant visa options before traveling.
- Keep onward tickets, accommodation details and travel purpose consistent with the visa or exemption you are using.
- All foreign travelers should also check the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card requirements before arrival.
Why Thailand is reviewing the rule
The 60-day visa exemption was introduced in July 2024 as part of a wider tourism and travel facilitation package. Officials now say the longer stay period may be too broad for ordinary tourism and may be vulnerable to misuse. The policy discussion also sits alongside a broader review of Thai visa categories and whether visitors are complying with the stated purpose of their entry permission.
Because the public implementation notice has not yet been found, this article should be read as a traveler planning warning rather than a final legal notice. GoAsia.cc will update the guidance once Thailand publishes the official effective date, transition rules or updated country list.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Thai media reported on 19 May 2026 that Cabinet approved cancelling the blanket 60-day visa-exemption measure and returning to previous country-by-country rules, mostly around 30 days. We have not yet found a public official notice with the effective date, transition rules or updated country list.
The proposal affects nationals of the current 93 countries and territories eligible for Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption, including major source markets such as the UK, USA, Germany, France, India, China, Japan, Australia, Singapore and many others.
Current official guidance says visa-exempt stays can be extended for up to 30 days at the discretion of immigration officers. It is not yet clear whether extension rules will change with the proposed 30-day limit.
Do not rely on the 60-day visa-free stay unless official Thai guidance confirms it for your nationality and travel date. Check a Thai embassy or official Thai visa page, and consider applying for the correct visa if your stay may exceed 30 days.
